From left: Dr. Dilshad Shamsi, Rafi Uddin Fazalbhoy, Indian Consul General B.S. Mubarak, HOC Raghib Quraishi, Dr. Hamid Kamal, Azhar Zai, and Arif Quraishi (standing) with other Indian Cultural Society members and guests. — Courtesy photo JEDDAH — Indian Cultural Society (ICS) and Bazm-e-Osmania Jeddah organized a get-together to welcome the Indian Consul General BS Mubarak recently. Arif Quraishi, ICS president, welcomed the consul general and head of chancery Mohammad Raghib Quraishi, and other guests. He said: “It is the tradition of ICS and Bazm to welcome new Indian diplomats.” Assuring the diplomats of his and his team's cooperation at all times, Quraishi said: “Our services have been in place since 38 years and our focus is on education, such as free distribution of school uniforms, old textbooks and payment of fees for needy students. Additionally, it is our tradition to celebrate the Indian national days such as Independence Day and Republic Day every year.” He commended Mubarak for his excellent services provided to Indian Haj pilgrims. Dr. DIlshad Shamsi, ICS patron, said the purpose of the welcome party is to foster friendly ties within the Indian community. Azhar Zai, ex-member of the International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ) managing committee, thanked and congratulated the ICS and Bazm for arranging the party. He said: “It's very difficult to organize programs on a regular basis, and therefore, Quraishi deserves appreciation and commendation for continuously doing so.” Welcoming the CG, Zai said: “Mubarak has a lot of potential and substance. This fact was established when he received the award in Palestine for his extraordinary performance. The consul general having earlier served as Haj Consul is specialized in Haj affairs and has handled the responsibility efficiently.” Aijaz Ahmed Khan said he knew about Quraishi's community activities since a very long time. “After meeting Quraishi, I too was inspired to work for the community.” Raghib said that it is good to organize such get-togethers as it strengthens patriotic feelings. He said Mubarak is an experienced and knowledgable diplomat. “I am sure he will be a successful consul general,” he said. Mubarak congratulated ICS and Bazm for their commendable actives and social work for the Indian community in a foreign land. “I am aware of their good work since I was the Haj consul in Jeddah.” He said the doors of the Indian consulate are open for Indians at all times. “The consulate is able to solve all community problems without any hassle. The consulate's services are reaching all Indians through the Internet and social media.” Mubarak also said that preparations for next year's Haj is in full swing. A cultural program featured Jimmy Waheedi, Ahmed Siddiqui, Mohammad Yusuf, Faraz, Waheedi and Arif Masood Siddiqui. ICS vice president Iqbal Shaikh proposed the vote of thanks. — SG
